Sanitation costs up; council told trash hauling has exceeded last year’s spending and contract will be rebid
Summary
Council heard that trash and disposal costs have risen above last year’s totals and that the city will need to rebid sanitation contracts that expire in December. Recycling contamination and out‑of‑jurisdiction drop‑offs were cited as drivers of higher costs.
Council members and staff told the meeting that the city's sanitation costs have risen and that contracts coming due in December will be rebid.
"Last year, we spent $401,000 for the entire year. This year, we're at $489,000 to date," a city official reported during committee remarks on sanitation and contract status.
Staff said the city pays a monthly disposal charge to the county for recyclables (reported in discussion as about $1,800 per month) and that contamination of recycling (mixed trash in recycling bins) is reducing the material the city can actually recycle. Sanitation staff said they have to spend time sorting mixed loads and that some residents or county users bring recyclables to the city site, which increases labor and equipment use.
The current trash‑hauling contract expires in December, staff said, and council was told the city will need to issue bids for hauling and related services. Staff described a need to review operating rules, confirm costs, and discuss enforcement or public‑education measures to reduce contamination.
No appropriation or contract award was made at the meeting; staff said they hoped to have firm cost figures and recommendations for the next council meeting so the items can be publicly rebid and reviewed.
